But since from the likeness of
the name, and the title of the books attributed to Gregory, 112persons are liable to confound very
different parties, it is important to notice that Gregory of Pontus is
a different person. He was a native of Neocæsarea in Pontus, of
greater antiquity than the one above referred to, inasmuch as he was a
disciple of Origen.647647 On Gregory Thaumaturgus in general, see Euseb. H.
E. VI. 30.
This Gregory’s fame was celebrated at Athens, at Berytus,
throughout the entire diocese of Pontus, and I might almost add in the
whole world. When he had finished his education in the schools of
Athens, he went to Berytus to study civil law, where hearing that
Origen expounded the Holy Scriptures at Cæsarea, he quickly
proceeded thither; and after his understanding had been opened to
perceive the grandeur of these Divine books, bidding adieu to all
further cultivation of the Roman laws, he became thenceforth
inseparable from Origen, from whom having acquired a knowledge of the
true philosophy, he was recalled soon after by his parents and returned
to his own country; and there, while still a layman, he performed many
miracles, healing the sick, and casting out devils even by his letters,
insomuch that the pagans were no less attracted to the faith by his
acts, than by his discourses. Pamphilus Martyr mentions this person in
the books which he wrote in defence of Origen; to which there is added
a commendatory oration of Gregory’s, composed in praise of
Origen, when he was under the necessity of leaving him. There were
then, to be brief, several Gregories: the first and most ancient was
the disciple of Origen; the second was the bishop of Nazianzus; the
third was Basil’s brother; and there was another Gregory648648 Cf. II. 11.
whom the Arians constituted bishop during the exile of Athanasius. But
enough has been said respecting them.